November 04, 2008, 5:32PM

As part of media day, UMass coach Derek Kellogg answered questions about the Minutemen's big men and newcomers Tyrell Lynch, Anthony Gurley, and Travon Wilcher. He also spoke about his plan to make UMass into a national program, and the areas he's focusing on to make that a reality. Some highlights: On sophomore Anthony Gurley: "He's tailor made for what... Full story »

November 03, 2008, 9:10PM

Heading into his fourth year as UMass' point guard, there's not a whole lot that Chris Lowe to surprise us. After a junior year where he averaged 11.8 points per game, and 6.3 assists per game, Lowe comes into the 2008-2009 season as a preseason Atlantic 10 First Team selection, and a legitimate case as one of the premier point... Full story »

November 03, 2008, 7:12PM

Tony Gaffney talks about the challenge of replacing the team's three leading rebounders, his responsibility as a senior leader of a relatively young squad, and what it means (or doesn't mean) that the Minutemen were picked 6th in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll Interview with UMass forward Tony Gaffney Video by Ben Swasey Full story »

November 03, 2008, 6:43PM

I'm a big Ricky Harris fan, and I make no bones about it. There's never been a doubt in my mind that Harris would repeat the success that he had last season, and I'm encouraged to hear his answer to the question of what aspect of his game he's been working on the most: "I've been working on my ball... Full story »

November 03, 2008, 6:35PM

UMass center Luke Bonner leaves no doubt about what's he's focusing on, and on what role he will be playing on the team in 2008-2009. "Coach is always telling me that I've got to be the tough guy on the team. I've got to be the New Hampshire Lumberjack, so to speak. My main focus is to be tough, get... Full story »

November 03, 2008, 6:24PM

Watching the Minutemen during their open practice on Media Day, my overall impression of Anthony Gurley wasn't that he dazzled me, it was simply that he looked very comfortable, very much at ease in everything he did. Like he was in his element. Most successful teams have those players who act as the glue of the team, holding everything together.... Full story »

November 03, 2008, 3:18PM

This is the second of my reports from the open practice portion of UMass men's basketball media day. Tony Gaffney - Jeff Thomas reported in today's Republican that Gaffney was embracing the opportunity to play a much larger role offensively this season. In today's practice, I didn't see a ton of evidence of that, but I did see Gaffney playing... Full story »

November 03, 2008, 2:57PM

This is the first mini-report from the open practice at UMass men's basketball media day. Tyrell Lynch - The play of freshman forward Lynch could be the difference between a solid frontcourt and a subpar one. At practice Lynch looked reassuringly big physically. He's listed at 230 pounds, and that number does not seem to be a stretch. He has... Full story »

October 30, 2008, 8:10AM

College Chalktalk continues their ongoing series previewing each team in the Atlantic 10 in order of predicted finish. Let's start at the bottom. St. Bonaventure: Yep it's another year, and the Bonnies are still in the Atlantic 10. If there's one thing we can bank on, its the Bonnies once again bringing down all their conference opponents' RPIs. In 2007-2008,... Full story »

October 17, 2008, 11:10PM

I caught up with UMass coach Derek Kellogg after Friday's Tip-Off Party to ask him what his impressions were of the festivities, and what he watches for from his team at this type of event. Full story »

October 16, 2008, 5:53PM

Friday night at 7:00, the Minutemen will hold a tip-off party at The Cage. After introductions of the men's and women's teams, there will be a dunk contest and a three point shooting contest. Afterwards, the Cage will be transformed into a dancefloor, with music and entertainment by Groove Boston. Watch this space for video from the dunk contest. Full story »

October 02, 2008, 2:18PM

Last we heard, UMass was none too pleased about being shifted from the Michigan bracket to the Southern Illinois bracket of the 2008 2K Sports Classic (better known as the Coaches vs Cancer tournament). As The Republican's Ron Chimelis reported, "having been led to believe it would play at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, UMass has been advertising the... Full story »

September 26, 2008, 7:15PM

College Chalktalk has 5 questions for UMass assistant coach Vance Walberg, the man behind Coach Derek Kellogg's Dribble-Drive-Motion offense. Walberg touches on the concept behind the offense, the new three-point line, and sophomore transfer Anthony Gurley. CCT: You briefly mentioned Anthony Gurley. Having seen him play while at Wake Forest, what do you expect he'll to bring to this team?... Full story »